I’m Daniel, a third-year student. Since my mother died five years ago, my father has lived alone in the countryside. I thought he would remain single forever and never remarry. But late one afternoon, the phone rang.

“Daniel, come home for the weekend, I have something important to tell you.” My father’s voice was low, calm, and unusual.

I felt uneasy. Was it something important? Dad rarely spoke and almost never called, unless it was to ask about my studies. I couldn’t sleep a wink that night.

On Saturday morning, I took the long bus back to my hometown. The old country road, the rows of trees, the dilapidated roofs—it all seemed strangely distant. As I entered the yard, the door opened…

Dad stood there. Beside him stood a woman. For a moment, I froze. My gaze drifted down to her belly—round, unmistakable—hiding a truth I couldn’t deny. My mouth trembled, and my chest tightened:

see more on the next page Advertisement